The Election Commission has released the final data from the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Following the revision, the state now has a total of 72.4 million registered voters. A significant 6.5 million names were removed from the voter list. Those removed included deceased individuals, migrants, and those living outside the country. As of June 24, 2025, Bihar had a total of 78.9 million voters.
Over 72.4 million voters submitted the required forms. The final tally for the initial phase of SIR stands at 72.4 million. The 6.5 million deletions involved individuals who had passed away, relocated, were foreign residents, or had moved permanently. Key figures breakdown includes:
* 72.4 million forms collected.
* 2.2 million deceased voters.
* 3.6 million migrants.
* 700,000 permanent relocation.
**Increased BLA Participation**
The Election Commission credited the successful first phase of SIR to various stakeholders, including the Chief Executive Officer of Bihar, District Election Officers from all 38 districts, 243 EROs, 2,976 AEROs, the BLOs stationed at 77,895 polling stations, numerous volunteers, and regional representatives from all 12 major political parties, with a significant inclusion of 160,000 BLAs. The BLA numbers saw an increase of more than 16% during the SIR period.
**SIR Timeline and Objectives**
The SIR process began in Bihar on June 24, 2025. The primary goal was to remove deceased, relocated, and duplicate registrations from the voter list while ensuring eligible voters were included. BLOs and BLAs went door-to-door to collect necessary enumeration forms. The initial phase of this initiative was nearly complete by July 25, achieving voter coverage of 99.8%.
The Commission has announced that from August 1 to September 1, 2025, eligible voters who might have been omitted from the rolls would have an opportunity to be included in the draft list. Voters registered in multiple places will be listed only once. The Bihar initiative is planned to be extended across India.
**Political Controversy Surrounds SIR**
The SIR process has sparked controversy in Bihar. This marks the most extensive voter roll revision since 2003. Opposition parties, including the RJD and Congress, have alleged that SIR is a deliberate move aimed at disenfranchising the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities. They have labeled the SIR as a ‘backdoor NRC’. Opposition groups claim that many families lack essential documentation such as birth certificates. Since only 2.8% of Bihar residents held birth certificates between 2001-2005, the risk of voter exclusion is significant. Tejashwi Yadav has accused the process of being designed to favor the NDA.
